AA Degree Transfer Requirements

The Associate of Arts (AA) degree is a 90–credit transfer degree that fulfills the general education requirements for most baccalaureate degrees in arts and sciences. To earn the AA degree, students must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in courses numbered 100 and above, complete at least 15 credits at the Seattle College awarding the degree, and meet the following requirements.

Students should contact college advising offices for listings of courses that satisfy degree requirements. Students planning to transfer to a four–year institution should be aware that they must complete all admission requirements for their destination institution. In addition, students are encouraged to give early consideration to possible majors and obtain information about requirements for these majors at their destination college or university.

AA Degree Student Learning Outcomes

Adapted from the Association of American Colleges & Universities VALUES Rubrics on April 9, 2014, Rhodes, Terrel, ed. 2010. Assessing Outcomes and Improving Achievement: Tips and Tools for Using Rubrics. Washington, DC: Association of American Colleges and Universities.

As a result of achieving an AA degree, students will be able to accomplish the following:

1. Communication (Reading, Oral or Signed, Written, Other Forms of Expression)
Explain meaning of written work, presentations, arts, and media in different contexts and present oral, signed, written, or other forms of expression to increase knowledge, foster understanding, or promote change in an audience.

3. Global Learning and Intercultural Knowledge and Competence
Critically analyze complex, interdependent, national and global systems, and their legacies and implications, regarding the distribution of power. Reflect on how one's position in these systems affects both local and global communities. Apply a set of cognitive, affective, and behavioral skills that support effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of cultural contexts.

4. Quantitative Literacy
Reason and solve quantitative problems in a wide array of contexts and use quantitative evidence to develop and communicate sound arguments.

College Transfer AA Degree Requirements

Special Requirements

Within the 90 credits required for the AA degree, students must complete special requirements in Integrated Studies, Communication, U.S. Culture and Global Studies. Students should consult their college advising office for a current listing of these courses. Specially designated courses that satisfy these requirements differ by college. Special designation credit for courses taken at one of the Seattle Colleges will transfer to other colleges in the district.

At least two courses of Integrated Studies. (This requirement may be met through specially designated individual courses, linked courses, or coordinated studies programs.) *IS requirement is waived if transferring in 65+ credits from another institution.

At least one course in Communication.

At least one course in U.S. Cultures.

At least one course in Global Studies.

For details on the courses that meet these special requirements, enrolled students can run Degree Audit or download an AA degree planning sheet on the Transfer Degrees page.

Basic Requirements (15 credits)

Requirements: English 101 and English 102 (10 credits), and a Quantitative or Symbolic Reasoning (Q/SR) course (5 credits).

Electives (30 credits)

An AA degree planning sheet on the Transfer Degrees page has up–to–date information about courses that can count toward the elective requirement.

Distribution Requirements, Areas of Knowledge (45 credits)

Humanities & Arts | Social Sciences | Science & Math

Course listings often change. Students should confer with their college advising office for the most current information, run Degree Audit, or consult an AA degree planning sheet on the Transfer Degrees page.

Visual, Literary & Performing Arts (Humanities & Arts) (15 credits)

Courses in this area include languages, literature, art, music, drama, and communication. Choices must include a minimum of two different course prefixes, and no more than five credits each of a world language at the 100 level and a studio/performance class may be applied to the distribution requirements.

Individuals, Cultures, & Societies (Social Sciences) (15 credits)

Courses in this area include social sciences such as anthropology, psychology, and sociology, as well as areas of study like history, philosophy, and ethnic and gender studies. Choices must include a minimum of two different course prefixes.

Natural World: Natural & Physical Sciences, Mathematics (15 credits)

Courses in this area include science and social science courses. Choices must include a minimum of two different prefixes; five credits must be in a lab science.